Why Resilient Discipleship?

There may be people wondering why is there a need for resilient discipleship. The answer is easier than you may realize.

As I was growing up, faith was an acceptable cultural norm. It was not uncommon to share that you went to church or that you believed in a deity. There were even secular songs which connected to faith. You seemed to be in the minority if you said that you did not believe in a deity. Many religions purported higher numbers than those who said they had no religion. It could have been because society expected some sort of faith, and those who claimed no religion were looked down upon.

It is not that way today. Today, many are claiming to have no religion. They are called the “nones”.

People have lost faith in the organized church. There have been several cases of sexual abuse of children by church leaders across many denominations. Well known leaders in churches have fallen because of “major” sins. Cult leaders have led many astray. The world views church leaders with a secular eye and seem to feel that most are in their position for power and/or money – building large empires for their own egos.

People have wondered for a while when the “Nones” would outnumber any single religious group. It is pure speculation, but a professor named Ryan Burge decided to speculate based on available data. His resulting conclusion was that the “nones” would outnumber any single religious group by 2029. That is less than a decade away. You can see his chart below and read the article on the Friendly Atheist website here.

The children we are reaching today will be leading in a world where people who claim no religion will outnumber any single religious group. Sharing the faith will be more difficult than when you and I were their age. Look back at all of the changes in technology, culture, and the world in general in the last 30 years. Now imagine how things will be 30 years from now. Are we discipling children to be prepared for what the world will look like in 2050? How do we do that?

We make sure that they have a solid foundation in the Word of God. We need to make resilient disciples. Resilient disciples who make disciples.

That is why I am looking forward to getting my copy of Resilient Child Discipleship and The Fearless Future of the Church.

I will be posting my thoughts about the book in the next week or two, after I have read it, and watch for my posts from CPC next week and beyond.

Are you ready for the future? Will the children in your ministry be ready to lead and be an example in the future?

It is time to start the discussion!